Adobe 2012 Annual Report Download - page 51

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In connection with disputes relating to the validity or alleged infringement of third-party intellectual property rights,
including patent rights, we have been, are currently and may in the future be subject to claims, negotiations or complex, protracted
litigation. Intellectual property disputes and litigation may be very costly and can be disruptive to our business operations by
diverting the attention and energies of management and key technical personnel. Although we have successfully defended or
resolved past litigation and disputes, we may not prevail in any ongoing or future litigation and disputes. Third-party intellectual
property disputes could subject us to significant liabilities, require us to enter into royalty and licensing arrangements on unfavorable
terms, prevent us from licensing certain of our products or offering certain of our services, subject us to injunctions restricting our
sale of products or services, cause severe disruptions to our operations or the markets in which we compete, or require us to satisfy
indemnification commitments with our customers including contractual provisions under various license arrangements and service
agreements.
In addition to intellectual property disputes, such as those discussed above and others, we are subject to legal proceedings,
claims and investigations in the ordinary course of business, including claims relating to commercial, employment and other
matters. Some of these disputes and legal proceedings may include speculative claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts
of damages. We consider all claims on a quarterly basis in accordance with GAAP and based on known facts assess whether
potential losses are considered reasonably possible, probable and estimable. Based upon this assessment, we then evaluate disclosure
requirements and whether to accrue for such claims in our financial statements. This determination is then reviewed and discussed
with our Audit Committee and our independent registered public accounting firm.
We make a provision for a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss
can be reasonably estimated. These provisions are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impacts of negotiations,
settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other information and events pertaining to a particular case. Unless otherwise
specifically disclosed here or in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements , we have determined that no provision for liability
nor disclosure is required related to any claim against us because: (a) there is not a reasonable possibility that a loss exceeding
amounts already recognized (if any) may be incurred with respect to such claim; (b) a reasonably possible loss or range of loss
cannot be estimated; or (c) such estimate is immaterial.
All legal costs associated with litigation are expensed as incurred. Litigation is inherently unpredictable. However, we
believe that we have valid defenses with respect to the legal matters pending against us. It is possible, nevertheless, that our
consolidated financial position, cash flows or results of operations could be negatively affected by an unfavorable resolution of
one or more of such proceedings, claims or investigations.
In connection with our anti-piracy efforts, conducted both internally and through organizations such as the Business Software
Alliance, from time to time we undertake litigation against alleged copyright infringers. Such lawsuits may lead to counter-claims
alleging improper use of litigation or violation of other laws. We believe we have valid defenses with respect to such counter-
claims; however, it is possible that our consolidated financial position, cash flows or results of operations could be affected in any
particular period by the resolution of one or more of these counter-claims.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
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